Jake Holbert drove in four runs while Eli Peifer and Mark Nilsen combined to pitch a three-hitter Wednesday as Wallenpaupack defeated visiting Wyoming Area, 8-2, in a non-league baseball season opener between teams that won championships a year ago.
Host Wallenpaupack is the defending Lackawanna League Division 2 champion. Wyoming Area has won the last two District 2 Class 4A titles.
Holbert singled, doubled, stole two bases and scored three runs. His RBI double in the third broke a 1-1 tie and put the Buckhorns ahead to stay.
Leadoff hitter Gannon Decker stole three bases and scored three times.
Peifer, who also doubled, worked the first four innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits while striking out seven and not walking a batter.
Nilsen worked three hitless, scoreless innings. He walked two and struck out one.
Among the day’s other highlights:
BOYS TENNIS
Defending champion Abington Heights defeated Western Wayne, 4-1, in a Lackawanna League match.
Western Wayne’s point came when freshman Tristan Vivona defeated defending District 2 Class 3A champion Praneel Mallaiah, 6-1, 6-1, at first singles.
“The first singles match was a joy to watch,” Abington Heights coach Art Comstock said. “A very high level of tennis was displayed by both players.”
Sam Christman and Domenic Peters won the other singles matches, 6-0, 6-0, and Western Wayne forfeited the doubles matches.
